Grunting and Gasping

Written by Jonathan Cumberbatch

Wednesday, 09 July 2008

My Sunday TV sports spectacle began as an even contest between the Windies/Oz finale ODI and the Wimbledon Gentleman's Final. Astonishingly both events virtually ran the length of each other. However while Wimbledon provided a deserving winner who could not positively have claimed to have answered every question posed by his opponent in easily the finest Grand Slam finish of our generation, the ODI made things abundantly clear as to 'who was who and what was what'.

As detailed in previous articles to this site, I do not believe the West Indies Test team is capable of completing a first class season. Now that providence has granted a probable end to the 'five Test series' concept (save for Ashes tours), the team's chronic mental and physical deficiencies are left to be observed over the course of the now-traditional limited over tour codas for all to see.

A product of our regional 'lost generation' born largely in the 1980s, it has become the task of my generation to collectively lower our expectations to make the best of this throng both in the world of work and by extension, sports.

The impatience finally sounded by the WICB president must be seen as a final call to action lest the Board begins cutting back its international schedule or worse (for the players) cutting back on their lavish compensation packages (the third highest in the international game!?!).

It was commented during the last throes of Sunday's 'cut arse' that Australia would now return to domestic tournament duties as they worked out their kinks for an upcoming international ODI tournament. The West Indies.....? Well all I can say is: 'Mamas it's time to lock away your daughters'.

In several shots during the ODI series, that the Aussies did not seem to be breaking a sweat on most of the predominantly very hot days suggesting almost uniform physically fitness and their player collateral damage over the course of the tour confirmed this. Windies players on the other hand were constantly seen wiping perspiration, re-hydrating and of course, dropping like flies with various aches and pains, all in between failing in various aspects of their game.

While it is obvious to my eyes that the team has a new intent and can certainly hold their own in short tours, they shall remain classified a maverick team for a while longer until the AADD and fitness indiscipline that plagues their members is finally conquered.

As for 'Rafa' and Roger, thank you both and now onto the next major as I'm sure that neither of you shall let me down.

(Click here to know more about Jonathan)

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